Well, that is an overwhelming number, when you see it as your Google Reader count. But, that is my life at the moment. No time to do anything but work.
The other day, while driving to work, I thought to myself how ironic that I've shared so much of myself on this blog about my hoo-ha-ha, but nothing about what I do from 8 to 14 hours, Monday thru Friday (and sometimes Saturday and Sunday). And it is a bit ironic. Considering I felt a need to share information on daily draws and nothing about what I do, except for my title.
So, I think I need to share a bit. I am a paralegal, and have been one for about 8 years. My first years, I worked as an US immigration paralegal. I love it, but immigration is very personal to the client, so it is also very draining emotionally.
About four years ago, I went to work "in-house" for a international corporation. Along with immigration (US and worldwide now), I was focusing on employment and corporate. And I am the only person that does what I do in a rather large company. At the beginning, I was overwhelmed because of the knowledge I didn't have. But, I quickly learned what I didn't know and went from there. Three years went by quickly and leaving me feeling respected, in an environment that wasn't glamorous but comfortable and peaceful.
Then the acquisition happened, and all hell broke loose. My hours became chaotic. I was told it should get better. But, the reality is, it hasn't. Yesterday, I got to work at 6:30 am and didn't leave until 7:15 pm. I didn't eat lunch, and only got up to go to the bathroom. At the end of the day, I didn't get to some basic work and have over 400 pages to read this weekend for new matters that I am now helping with.
My new supervisor asked me how I was doing. And I flat out told her I am overwhelmed. She asked if it was the content. I told her it is the volumn. Believe me when I say, she said all the right things. But, I don't think I can physically and mentally keep up this pace.
T tells me that my previous position was not reality and this is real life. But, if this is real life, than I need to get paid more. Because I can work these hours for a law firm and make more money. But, that was before this economy.
I am afraid to make a move. One, at the end of the day, I truly enjoy my job and two, in this economy -- last one hired, first one fired.
Any assvice out there?
About Me
- Esperanza
- American, baker, blogger, brown eyed, brunette, calligraphist, Catholic, college grad, cousin, crafter, daughter, Democrat, ditzy, evolving, fair, feminist, friend, granddaughter, law abiding, lover of history, infertile, inquisitive, Liberal, kitty momma, multi-lingual, niece, Portuguese, quick to laugh, reader, shoe aficionado, straight shooter, sister, strong, student, tall, thoughtful, traveler, ex-wife, woman, yogi.
My Personality Portrait
5 comments:
A (bottle) glass of wine doesn't make the job any easier, but at the end of a long day it stops me stressing about it!! I'd say hang in there, keep your stability until the financial climate improves than look at your options.
That is an unbelievable workload. I'm an inhouse lawyer with a large company and no one, not lawyers or paralegals, works those kind of hours, day in, day out and on weekends. I say this only to assure you that it's not the norm.
I agree, those are insane hours. I know the economy sucks right now, but it never hurts to send your resume out & see what else is out there.
I'm keeping all my assvice to myself. And I'm self employed so my perception of hours/work load is totally warped - in many ways, my company IS my life.
My husband works those hours, *but* he's an attorney and does corp. bankruptcy. They're *swamped*. Even with that said, their paralegals work 8-5. PERIOD. They do have 1 who is 'on call' for after hours work. He works for a Very Large Firm.
I think it sounds nuts... they either need to give you a raise (bigtime) or hire someone else to help... regardless my assvise would be to put feelers out for another job. That's just nuts.
Post a Comment